F&G Seeks Help about Dumped Elk

Upper Snake Region conservation officers are asking the public for information about someone who left elk carcasses at the Burgess Canal head gates in Jefferson County within the past two weeks. "The first call came in stating only one carcass was dumped with just the head and legs taken, and nothing else," Senior Conservation Officer Clark Shackelford said. "By the time officers were able to investigate, another carcass appeared to have been dumped, this time, the hindquarters and backstraps were taken. The skeletal remains of a deer were also left at the scene." Hunting is not just about going out and shooting an animal. Being a responsible hunter means doing everything properly before and after squeezing the trigger. Unfortunately, recent actions by some individuals in Jefferson County have put hunters in a bad light, and Idaho Fish and Game would like to know who is responsible. "It looks like the shooters of these elk got lazy and did not want to cut and wrap the meat, so they kept the antlers and the choicest parts, then dumped the rest as fast as they could," Shackelford said. "Ethical and responsible hunters should not stand for that type of behavior." When Shackelford inspected the meat it appeared that nothing was wrong with it when dumped; it originally was not tainted or spoiled. But by the time it was found, it could not be salvaged. "It's unfortunate that someone spent such a great deal of time hunting and harvesting these elk, then not take care of the large amount of edible meat and dump it, worst of all in a location where local home owners and fishermen go for a nice outdoor experience," he said. Anyone in the Ririe or Rigby area who knows of a neighbor who had an elk hanging that just disappeared is asked to call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-532-5999, or the Idaho Falls Fish and Game Office at 525-7290. More detailed information helps officers track down those responsible. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward depending on the outcome of the investigation.